Lavender: The Royal Herb

Lavender has been used throughout history, especially by royal families dating as far back as biblical times! Here are some of our favorite facts about the oh-so elegant lavender….

Jars filled with ungents containing lavender were found in the tomb of Tutankhamen when opened. These were primarily used in cosmetics, oils and medicines by royal families and high priests in Anchient Egypt.

It was speculated that Cleopatra used a perfume infused with the herb to seduce both Julius Ceaser and Mark Antony. It was not uncommon for girls to wear small bags of lavender in their cleavage to attract potential suitors.

King Charles VI of France required all his seat cushions to be filled with dried lavender so the aroma could “lift” his depression

Queen Victoria was well known for her love of all things lavender. Not only did she require all her furniture to be polished with a lavender based solution, but she went so far as to appoint a lady in waiting as “Purvey of Lavender Essence to the Queen”.

Queen Elizabeth I required fresh lavender flowers to be available everyday of the year (quite the task considering England’s weather!)

In Tudor times, lavender was associated with romance. Ladies would sip on lavender brew while chanting to St. lL

By Tudor times, lavender brew was being sipped by maidens on St. Lukes day to divine the identity of their true loves. They’d chant, “St. Luke, St. Luke, be kind to me. In my dreams, let me my true love see.” Lavender in the pillows of alpine girls brought hope of romance, while lavender under the bed of newlyweds ensured passion.